Raw Monterey Jack Cheeses by Ripley Dairy Recalled for Listeria

Raw milk Monterey Jack cheeses made by Ripley Dairy at 66 West Cayuga Street in Moravia, New York have been recalled for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. To date, no illnesses associated with these products have been reported to public health officials.

There are three flavors of raw milk cheese recalled. Old Fashioned Raw Milk Monterey Jack, Horseradish Monterey Jack, and Chipotle Adobo Monterey Jack are recalled. The cheeses are in a plastic shrink-wrapped, assorted ounce net weight package, with the plant number 36-3108 and code Mfg. Date 5/17/17. All packages with this code are recalled. The manufacturer name on the package is Hillcrest Dairy.

A routine sample of the cheese tested by the New York State Food Laboratory was positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The cheese will be destroyed by the manufacturer.

If you purchased these cheeses, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed or double bagged package, or take them back to the place of purchase for a full refund. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the cheese. Clean out your refrigerator with a mild bleach solution, since Listeria bacteria can grow at refrigerator temperatures.

If you ate these cheeses, watch yourself for the symptoms of listeriosis for the next 70 days. The symptoms can be like the flu, or can include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, nausea, and diarrhea. Pregnant women are at special risk for this type of infection, since Listeria monocytogenes food poisoning can cause miscarriage, premature labor, and stillbirth. If you do get sick, see your doctor.